The Department of Trade in collaboration with the Department of Tourism organized the ‘Bhutan Believe, Made in Bhutan and Grown in Bhutan’ event on 26 December 2023 at Brand Bhutan Store, CSI Throm in Changzamtog. The event graced by Hon’ble Secretary of Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment and the Heads of Departments, served as an introduction of Brand Bhutan products and CSI Throm to the Bhutanese tour operators and guides, fostering a closer connection between local produce and the burgeoning tourism industry. More than 40 tour operators, guides and entrepreneurs participated in the event. The participants were also given a tour of the Throm.
The Brand Bhutan Store which was inaugurated by the Department of Trade in October 2023, strategically located in the CSI Throm, aims at promoting, marketing and distributing authentic ‘Made in Bhutan’ and ‘Grown in Bhutan’ products. The event highlighted the significance of integrating Brand Bhutan Store and CSI Throm to present the spot as a premier destination for tourists seeking genuine Bhutanese products and experiences of Bhutanese culture through live demonstration. Besides promoting bhutanese products to the visitors, it will also stand as a testament to our commitment to promoting locally produced products.
Six enterprising individuals were also honored during the event with the prestigious ‘Made in Bhutan’ mark (MIB) certificate. The Department of Trade conducts GIB/MIB mark events periodically to encourage Bhutanese producers to produce premium products for high-end markets and facilitate them to enter new markets through standard-setting, advertising, and marketing of the products. Till date, 79 ‘Made in Bhutan’ and 7 ‘Grown in Bhutan’ products have been approved by the Department.
The event was supported by the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF).
As a part of the event, the first 100 tourists who visit the Brand Bhutan Store will be provided with free locally brewed coffee/tea/snacks and a tour of the CSI Throm, for promotion of the store.